Quotes from Cyrus the Great

You cannot be buried in obscurity: you are exposed upon a grand theater to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured they will augment your power and happiness.

We love ourselves notwithstanding our faults, and we ought to love our friends in like manner.

A man's enjoyment of all good things is in exact proportion to the pains he has undergone to gain them.

All men have their frailties; and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections, will never find what he seeks.

O man, whoever you are and wherever you come from, for I know you will come, I am Cyrus who won the Persians their empire. Do not therefore begrudge me this bit of earth that covers my bones.

In my experience, men who respond to good fortune with modesty and kindness are harder to find than those who face adversity with courage.